EXERCISE INDUCED ASTHMA #4

With Summer upon us, we should mention Exercise Induced Asthma (EIA) as a  distinct form of this condition. Unlike persistent or allergy/trigger induced asthma, this condition is associated with vigorous physical activity and not solely to exposure to allergens, pollutants or other triggers. Diagnosis can often be as simple as using a rescue inhaler before the activity and see what happens. Of course we should eliminate other conditions which may mimic this condition like those described by the Mayo Clinic. These include:

Being out of shape

Heart disease or heart failure

Lung disorders

Side effects of certain medications

Central airway obstruction

Vocal cord dysfunction (also called paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder)

Hay fever or other allergies

Lung function tests as described in my previous blogs (peak flow meters and spirometry) should be first considered a all times. An exercise challenge is also a good idea if EIA is being considered. This simple test  is performed using a tread mill with lung function tests being performed before and after the activity. In those individuals involved in competitive sports the test may be done before and after the actual sport rather than a tread mill. Other tests exist and are often used to eliminate other causes (ie allergy skin tests, etc).
If you or your child may be effected by EIA and you are involved in school related  or other organzied sports, you may want to view the links below. These sites may be helpful to coaches, athletes and parents.

http://www.winningwithasthma.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/asthma/publications.htm